Games to watch for 2013

Sep 05, 2013

Russell Wilson took the snap out of the pistol formation and
turned to hand off to Marshawn Lynch.

With the defensive end crashing in toward Lynch, Wilson pulled
the ball back and sprinted right outside the pocket. Just before
the outside linebacker hit him, Wilson flipped the ball to wide
receiver Golden Tate for a 15-yard gain.

This was not a play from the Seattle Seahawks' 2012 season, but
a rather a virtual practice play -- executed by yours truly -- in
this year's version of "Madden," the popular NFL video game.

I've always loved playing football video games. But I always
thought the playbooks in "Madden" left a little to be desired,
especially when compared to the creativity found in its college
video game counterpart. Of course, that was simply just a
reflection of the two brands of football.

The NFL has long stressed traditional running and passing plays
and formations, while college football has been a breeding ground
for new, innovative packages. Maybe because of quarterbacks like
Wilson, Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton, the NFL is starting to
catch up.

Whatever the reason, I can now run a triple-option offense with
my favorite NFL team. The same triple-option offense I developed an
appreciation for in the mid-2000s while watching Springfield
overwhelm opponents with it. The same offense that Salisbury now
gives so many teams fits with.

Maybe you prefer the more wide-open passing attacks of teams
like Widener or Buffalo State? Or maybe you like a more
traditional, run-first offense in the mold of an Ithaca? The best
part is that it doesn't matter. Whatever you like style-wise, you
can find it in college football.

And if you're reading this, you probably have an interest in a
team from one of the four East regions -- Empire 8, NJAC, Liberty
League, MAC. I hope that's the case, because there's a lot of good,
entertaining football to be played among the 34 teams this
season.

I've highlighted below what I feel are the 10 best games to
watch this season. This is now my third year as the Around the East
columnist and if I've learned one thing, it's that picking this
list is a futile cause. Inevitably there will be a handful of games
that turn out better. But this is a strong list to start with.

If you're a regular reader, thank you for support. If you're a
casual or first-time reader, keep coming back. My contact
information can be found at the bottom of the article.

Salisbury at Wesley, 1 p.m., Sept.
14: This matchup has become one of the finest
Division III has to offer, particularly in the early portion of the
season. Salisbury and Wesley are again ranked in the top 25, and
again figure to reach the NCAA playoffs. And though these two teams
usually seem to match up well, Salisbury hasn't defeated Wesley
since 2004. This year's clash should again be a great matchup.

UW-Whitewater at Buffalo State, noon, Sept.
21:Last season, Buffalo State
tallied one of the biggest upsets in Division III history with its
stunning 7-6 win against then No. 1 UW-Whitewater. A year later,
the Warhawks come to Buffalo for the rematch, without a 46-game
winning streak in tow. Even if this matchup fails to deliver
another last-second classic, it will at least give East Region fans
a chance to see one of the premier Division III programs in the
country. Whitewater rarely faces East teams unless it's in the
playoffs, so this is a prime opportunity for fans to get a
glimpse.

Lycoming at Widener, 1 p.m., Sept.
28: Widener overcame seven turnovers to edge
Lycoming, 28-23, last season. That slim margin was the difference
between a MAC conference crown and NCAA playoff berth for the two
teams. These two squads enter 2013 as two of the favorites in the
conference race, so this matchup should again be critical. Lycoming
was the favorite in the conference preseason poll, but Widener has
won the last two meetings and draws the home-field advantage this
time around.

Buffalo State at Alfred, 1 p.m., Oct.
5:The favorite to win the Empire 8
this season is Salisbury. St. John Fisher should be in the mix,
too. But fans would be unwise to consider the E8 a two-team race.
Alfred, just a few seasons removed a string of conference titles,
should again field a strong team. Buffalo State may be the ultimate
wild card in the conference. That makes this early-October matchup
one worth watching. The Saxons notched a convincing 40-17 win last
season, but the Bengals have shown they can compete with any
team.

Delaware Valley at Lycoming, 1 p.m., Oct.
5: Though Lycoming's matchup against Widener just one
week prior will be crucial, so too will this one against Delaware
Valley. The Aggies had their string of four straight conference
titles snapped last season, but figure to again be in the mix in
2013. In fact, the MAC could once again end up being a three-team
race.

Hobart at Springfield, noon, Oct.
12: Hobart is the clear favorite in the Liberty
League this season, and for good reason. The Statesmen boast one of
the most dominant defenses in the country, and back that up with
potentially strong offense. The biggest -- and possibly only --
threat to Hobart's conference title is Springfield. The Pride won
five conference games and eight overall in the first season in the
Liberty League last season. Springfield should be even better this
season, and it will have the home-field advantage in this matchup.
Expect a closer battle than last year's 28-7 Hobart win.

St. John Fisher at Salisbury, noon, Oct.
19: If you pick one Empire 8 game to watch this
season, make sure it's this one. This matchup, in all likelihood,
will decide the conference's champion. St. John Fisher and
Salisbury stand above the rest of the conference and, barring
injuries or other unforeseen events, should both push for playoff
berths. Salisbury churned out a 28-17 win in Pittsford, N.Y., last
year. But expect the Cardinals to put up a strong fight in
Salisbury, Md., in this year's meeting.

Cortland State at Rowan, 1 p.m., Nov.
2: Cortland State needed a late touchdown pass to
clinch a 24-21 win against Rowan last season. That, of course, was
the difference in the conference race, as the Red Dragons went
unbeaten in the NJAC and earned a playoff bid. Rowan did get into
the playoffs as well, but missing out on the conference crown won't
be forgotten. The new-look Red Dragons will be considerably younger
this season, and that should favor Rowan, which hosts this year's
game. It's reasonable to expect this matchup to have a direct
impact on the NJAC title race.

RPI at Union, noon, Nov.
16:Rivalry alert. As far as East
Region rival games go, the Dutchman Shoes Trophy game is one of the
better matchups you'll find. Union pulled out a 34-28 victory in
overtime last season, and has won three of the last four meetings
overall. Union should again be favored, but RPI, under new coach
Ralph Isernia, could surprise. Like any good rivalry though, throw
the records out and enjoy this game.

Cortland State at Ithaca, noon, Nov.
16: With all due respect to Union and RPI, if you're
looking for the premier East rivalry game, you'll want to take in
the Cortaca Jug. This matchup usually has playoff ramifications
riding on it. Both teams have traditionally found themselves in the
mix for the Empire 8 and NJAC conference titles. And, of course,
both teams genuinely dislike each other. Cortland has been the
stronger team of late, winning the last three meetings. But the Red
Dragons are facing some transition this season. Ithaca figures to
once again finish in six-win territory. But, like the Dutchman
Shoes, throw out the records when the Cortaca Jug is on the
line.